3 HVAC Misconceptions You Shouldn’t Believe

Your HVAC system is probably something you don’t think about very often unless there’s a problem that needs your attention. But HVAC systems play an important role in keeping your home comfortable, using your energy wisely, and even maintaining the quality of the air in your home. Unfortunately, there are quite a few misconceptions that can lead homeowners to use their HVAC systems incorrectly. So to help ensure you’re using your system as best as possible, let’s look at the truth behind a few common HVAC misconceptions.

HVAC systems don’t need maintenance. Just like all other appliances and systems in a home, heating and cooling systems most definitely require regular maintenance. There are easy maintenance tasks that homeowners can do by themselves, like changing the filter — which Energystar.gov recommends doing every one to three months. And then there are other HVAC maintenance services that should be done by professionals. Regular inspections, tune-ups, and HVAC repairs should be done by experienced technicians. So to keep your HVAC system running its best, make sure you’re keeping up with maintenance.

Turning off the system saves energy. While it may seem like turning off your HVAC system when you’re not home will help save energy, it actually does the opposite. When your system is turned on and off regularly, it can actually end up using more energy. So instead of simply turning off the heat or air conditioning, you should invest in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will allow you to program your system to turn down during the hours when you’re not home or sleeping. This slowly changes the temperature and can help save energy while keeping your home comfortable.

Cranking the heat warms the home faster. On a cold winter day, you may be tempted to turn the temperature up really high to heat your home as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this is not a good idea. The HVAC system is designed to deliver a designated amount of air to your home — so when you crank up the heat, the system will only have to run longer and work harder. This can use more energy and even put more wear and tear on your system. So instead, consider being patient and heating your home slowly. Hopefully, this article cleared up some confusion regarding HVAC systems. So to keep your system running as best as possible, use it wisely and invest in regular HVAC maintenance services.